Club Test 2011: Heavy Putter Mid-Weight Putters

From Golf Magazine (June 2011)

Heavy Mid-Weight Bronze Q2-M
Category: Blade Putters
We tested: 34", 35" shaft length

Key Technologies: It has a 200-gram plug in the butt end of the shaft (club's total weight is 750 grams). "Backweighting" the club is designed to move the balance point higher and, thus, reduce wristiness during the stroke.

OUR TESTERS SAY: Delivers on its promise to take your hands out of the stroke; most testers find it a better option than "Heavy-Weight" models.

PROS
DISTANCE CONTROL: Good option for inside-square-inside putting strokes; effective on longer putts as it takes the "hit" out of your stroke; putts start on line with a nice roll once you gauge its weight.

FEEL: Flush feel if you forward-press it; surprisingly soft given the club's overall weight; testers like Winn's midsize cord grip.

LOOK: The bronze Q2-M has a gunmetal-satin, anti-glare finish; the large profile appears quite forgiving.

CONS
Some testers get a dull sensation on pure strikes; a few guys find it difficult to manage distance with any confidence due to the heavier package.

$120

From Golf Magazine (June 2011)

Heavy Mid-Weight Bronze H1-M
Category: Blade Putters
We tested: 34", 35" shaft length

Key Technologies: The face-balanced H1-M weighs 750 grams (stainless steel head is 400 grams). It has a 200-gram weight in the butt end of the grip to promote a controlled, shoulderdriven stroke with less wrist action. Midsize Winn grip is designed to be firm and tacky.

OUR TESTERS SAY: A distinct improvement over the original Heavy-Weight putters; good for those who struggle with a wristy stroke or the yips.

PROS
DISTANCE CONTROL: Heavy club makes it easy to establish rhythm and tempo on longer putts; gets the ball to the hole.

FEEL: Putter wants to swing itself; some find the head runs into the ball like a sledgehammer, creating a solid thud on center strikes; overall weight promotes shorter, pendulum stroke.

LOOK: Bronze black nickel finish; white stripe helps to align head square to target.

CONS
Feedback can be too similar between center strikes and misses; extra weight in grip makes it difficult for a few guys to feel the head and gauge how hard to swing; short putts want to jump off face.

$120

From Golf Magazine (ClubTest, April 2010)

Heavy Mid-Weight D1-M
Category: High-MOI Mallet Putters
We tested: 34", 35" shaft length

Company line: "This full-sized, high MOI mallet is face balanced with a center shaft construction. Three adjoining 'humps' perpendicular to the back of the face create precise alignment while a 'rail' system minimizes surface contact with the green."

Our Testers say:
PROS: A top performer on short putts; the D1-M programs you to make a straight-back, straight-through stroke; effective visual aid; perfect for players looking to slow down their swing or cure pulls and pushes; sets up easily and stays square; plenty forgiving; best for short putts, it accelerates toward the hole so you can focus on your line with minimal worry about mechanics.

CONS: Heavy head can mask feel and feedback; distance control can be a challenge for some, especially on putts longer than 15 feet; difficult to adjust quickly to on fast greens; center shaft setup is not for everyone.

Heavy Mid-Weight Q2-M
Category: Blade Putters
We tested: 34", 35" shaft length

Company line: "This cast 304 stainless steel head has a CNC-milled face. The blade has a plumbers-neck hosel and 'toe-droop' weighting that's popular on Tour. Our new grip, co-developed with Winn Grips, is the only midsize cord grip in the putter industry."

Our Testers say:
PROS: Among the top putters tested; extra head weight and large, heavy grip kill wristy tendencies; the Mid-Weight Q2-M works best with a smooth, rhythmic stroke rather than a quick pop; easier to use than original Heavy models; extra weight is extra good for short putts; oversize blade has a bold white sightline that stands out.

CONS: Difficult to distinguish feel between center and off-center hits; you must learn to control speed by the length of the stroke rather than by your hands; a few guys struggle to dial in distance on long putts.

$120

More putters on Golf.com
Blade putters
Mid-sized mallet putters
High-MOI mallet putters